Ushant

Ushant lies off the western tip of Brittany, a rocky island marking the approaches between the Atlantic and the English Channel. The waters around it are notorious for reefs, fog and powerful currents, while the nearby harbour of Brest gives this coast strategic importance. In July 1778 British and French fleets fought west of Ushant during the American War of Independence. The battle ended without a decisive victory, but the presence of the French fleet compelled Britain to keep substantial naval forces in European waters.